2020 Château Guillot-Clauzel

The 2020 Guillot-Clauzel is impressive. Inky and voluptuous, it’s a seriously intense, concentrated Pomerol. Blackberry jam, dried herbs, chocolate, licorice and dark spice are all kicked up a few notches. The 2020 has quite a bit of textural opulence that is the signature of a warm, dry summer. A strong oak imprint needs to fully meld into the wine. It will be interesting to see how things turn out in another 18 months or so. Guillaume Thienpont continues to do compelling work at this small estate.

- Antonio Galloni (2021)

Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Guillot Clauzel has an alcohol of 14.5% and a pH of 3.72. It is aging in French oak barriques, 50% new. Opaque purple-black colored, it bursts from the glass with bold, opulent scents of crushed black cherries, warm black plums and violets, giving way to hints of raspberry leaves, Sichuan pepper and anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe, rich, decadent black fruits with loads of red fruit and floral sparks and a backbone of velvety tannins, with great tension to boot, finishing long and spicy. The consultant winemaker here is Guillaume Thienpont (of Vieux Chateau Certan), and he is doing an amazing job of breathing fresh life into this promising Pomerol site!

- Lisa Perrotti-Brown (2021)